Ireland 22 - 24 New Zealand: All Blacks fight back

AARON Cruden’s second attempt at an overtime conversion put an end to Ireland’s best-ever chance of a first victory over New Zealand, and made professional-era history for the All Blacks as they recorded a 24-22 win.

Ryan Crotty’s last-gasp try locked the scores at 22-22 with the conversion to come and Chiefs fly-half Cruden fluffed it the first attempt, only to be handed a dramatic reprieve.

Ireland flew off their line before Cruden had started his run-up, referee Nigel Owens ordered a retake: and the Kiwi playmaker delivered to spoil an otherwise-impressive Irish performance.

Ireland blitzed a stunned New Zealand with three tries in 17 minutes; Conor Murray, Rory Best and Rob Kearney crossing in a superlative opening salvo.

But the world champions refused to buckle, wing Julian Savea and prop Ben Franks notching tries to turn the tide.

Leading by just five points, Ireland attempted to play out the clock in the final minute - only to concede a cheap ruck penalty.

New Zealand launched a trademark quick-flash attack, and after fine work from Kieran Read, Ma’a Nonu and Cruden, Crotty sneaked into the left corner to shatter Irish dreams of a first victory over the All Blacks at the 28th attempt.

Ireland had led the All Blacks 21-7 after 43 minutes in Dublin in 2001: New Zealand won 40-29 that day in Dublin.

Agonisingly that pattern was repeated, and now Brian O’Driscoll will never beat the All Blacks.

Paul O’Connell labelled this Ireland’s best-ever chance to beat New Zealand in mid-week, and so it proved.

The thunderclap of three first-quarter tries shook the All Blacks to their very core.

The grit so lacking from Ireland in 32-15 Australia defeat last week was immediately clear from the off.

A stub-grubber from O’Driscoll forced New Zealand into a knock on in their own 22.

Dave Kearney cut in off his wing, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien punched tight-drive holes - and half-back Murray pounced to open the scoring.

Leinster’s bullocking prop Healy then bust the line again, sending hooker Best through the gap.

O’Brien followed suit to find Murray, and Ireland were scenting the whitewash again - more quick ball allowed Best to dummy a pass and wriggle home for the home side’s second try.

Try-scorer Best was forced to trudge off with a shoulder injury with less than 15 minutes on the clock though, Sean Cronin joining the fray in his stead.